A mysterious 'hole' larger than Maryland has reappeared in the middle of Antarctica after 42 years
A mysterious 'hole' larger than Maryland has reappeared in the middle of Antarctica after 42 years. Scientists aren't sure how it got there.
But this isn't the first time it's appeared.
The hole is a type of polynya. Polynyas are a region of open water surrounded by sea ice. But the Weddell polynya is unlike any other.
While most polynyas form near the shore, this polynya is located hundreds of kilometers from the coast.
Scientists first saw it in 1974. Back then, the opening was as large as Oregon. But in 1976, the opening closed up seemingly for good.
Then, in 2016, a NASA satellite spotted a small opening. It was the first sighting of the polynya in over 40 years.
Since then, the opening has grown considerably larger. Now, it's large enough to fit Maryland. It's still 5X smaller than it was in the '70s. But this polynya's reappearance is a mystery to scientists.
One expert said it was like someone had punched a hole in the ice. Many questions remain:
Did it exist before the '70s?
Will it close up again for another 40 years?
Is climate change the cause?
Scientists are currently collecting as much data as they can. Perhaps we'll have the answers before the hole fills in again.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- Experts warn of rising temperatures in Bengaluru as Phase 2 of Lok Sabha elections draws near
- Axis Bank posts net profit of ₹7,129 cr in March quarter
- 7 Best tourist places to visit in Rishikesh in 2024
- From underdog to Bill Gates-sponsored superfood: Have millets finally managed to make a comeback?
- 7 Things to do on your next trip to Rishikesh